Abstract: An unmanned floating platform is provided for continual surveillance at a station-keeping position at sea. The platform is equipped to dispatch an unmanned vehicle to conduct at least one of observation and rendezvous. The platform includes a hull, first and second hangers, and a liquid storage compartment. The hull has a submerged portion and a floating portion. The first hanger is equipped for stowing, deploying and retrieving a self-propelled unmanned vehicle and is substantially disposed in the floating portion. The second hanger houses equipment for electrical power and on-board functions. The liquid storage compartment supplies fuel to the on-board equipment and to the unmanned vehicle. For static stability, the compartment is disposed in the submerged portion. The platform may also include a superstructure for housing sensor equipment. The superstructure can be disposed above at least one of the first and second hangers. The second hanger may additionally house a tetherable observation aerial post.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining fratricide probability of projectile collision from a projectile launcher on a platform and an interception hazard that can be ejected or launched from a deployment position. The platform can represent a combat vessel, with the projectile launcher being a gun, the interception hazard being a missile, and the deployment position being a vertical launch cell. The projectile launcher operates within an angular area called the firing zone of the platform. The method includes determining the firing zone, calculating an angular firing area, quantifying a frontal area of the interception hazard, translating the resulting frontal area across a flight trajectory, sweeping the projectile launcher to produce a slew angle, combining the slew and trajectory, and dividing the combined interception area by the firing area. The firing and interception areas are calculated using spherical projection.

Abstract: Various embodiments are described relating to devices and methods for detecting local human presence by olfactory reception of volatile organic compound (VOC) molecules dispersed in air. Such devices include a chamber inlet, a trap, a sensor and a communicator. The inlet receives the air that contains the VOC molecules, a trap for capturing the VOC molecules in the air. The sensor detects at least a threshold quantity of at least one of 3-hydroxy-3-methylhexanoic (3H3MH) acid and 3-methyl-2-hexanoic (3M2H) acid among the VOC molecules. The communicator provides notification of the threshold quantity. The methods include operations to receive the air, capture the molecules in the air, detect the 3H3MH and 3M2H acids, and signal notification of that detection.

Abstract: A customized microtag identifier has a custom synthesized polynucleic acid having a known sequence of bases, a recovery compound, and a protective coat; effective to identify said custom synthesized polynucleic acid.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for the development of novel plant germplasm using segregates from a transgenic line combined with PCR-based zygosity testing and, optionally, Southern blot analysis.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of cactus pear having the following unique combination of desirable features: 1. A fruit with a green colored edible interior portion. 2. An average Brix of 14.6%. 3. An average firmness of the pulp of 2.9 lb. 4. An average pulp percentage of 50%. 5. A fruit weight ranging from 130 to 170 g. 6. Cladodes that have a low percentage of areoles with spines and those areoles only have 1 spine per areole of maximum length of 8 mm. 7. Greater resistance to water soaked, translucent aspect of edible fruit portion from rapid increases in temperature known as clearing than other Opuntia ficus indica with green fruits.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of the muscadine grape plant, Vitis rotundifolia Michx., which has exceptionally good flavor, firm flesh texture with relatively thin skin, and a larger berry than the current grapes that are produced commercially. The vines of this cultivar are vigorous, productive and disease resistant.

Abstract: A new and distinct pomegranate variety of Punica granatum named ‘KAMEL’, particularly characterized by self-pollinating and self-fertile medium-sized tree with vigorous growth; good fruit productivity; large-sized, mature fruit with uniform, dark red skin color that appears very early in fruit development, red arils; and mature fruit which is of good eating quality, sweet-sour flavor and good juice production.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of THUJA plant named ‘JANED GOLD’ that is dense and uniform in growth habit, becoming conical with age, and bearing bright yellow-gold foliage year round. In combination these characteristics set ‘JANED GOLD’ apart from all other existing varieties of THUJA known to the inventor.

Abstract: A new Chrysanthemum plant named ‘Syndurango Dark’ particularly distinguished by the large, dark greyed-orange ray florets, good floriferousness, strong straight stems, and dark foliage.

Abstract: A new Petunia plant named ‘Pic Litpina’ particularly distinguished by the small white and light red-purple colored flowers, good floriferousness with continuous flowering, early flowering, medium green foliage, initially semi-compact and then an outwardly spreading plant habit.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Osteospermum plant named ‘Sunbre0905’, characterized by its mounding and outwardly spreading plant habit; freely branching growth habit; freely flowering habit; daisy-type inflorescences with purple-colored ray florets; long peduncles; and good garden performance.

Abstract: A new and distinct Vriesea sp. plant named ‘ELECTRIC’, characterized as a funnel-form rosette plant, measuring about 40 cm to 50 cm in total height (when flowering) and about 50 cm in diameter; yellow-orange (RHS 14B) in color, with orange-red bract margins (RHS 33A),bipinate spike inflorescence, measuring about 30 cm to 35 cm in height and about 15 cm in diameter; about 7 to 9 branches; and green (RHS 137A) foliage, measuring about 30 cm in length and about 3.5 cm to 4.0 cm in width.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Uncinia plant named ‘BELINDA'S FIND’ that is characterized by compact clumping habit and bronze-green leaves each with bright cherry-red margins. In combination these traits set ‘BELINDA'S FIND’ apart from all other existing varieties of Uncinia known to the inventor.

Abstract: A method of removing stators from tubular stator housings involving subjecting a tubular stator housing having an interior surface to which a worn stator is adhered by adhesive to cryogenic refrigeration until the stator shrinks and pulls away from the interior surface of the tubular stator housing.

Abstract: The present invention provides means for automatically adjusting rollforming equipment to accommodate a range of different gauges of material such as sheet metal being formed. One rollforming roller (34) on each rollforming head (4A) is mounted on an eccentric so that a force supplied in the direction of material feed through the tooling rollers (33,34) will increase the tooling gap therebetween. An automatic gauge adjustor includes applying a source of substantially constant pressure sufficient to achieve the rollforming action against rotation about the eccentric while allowing movement of the rollforming roller also about the eccentric so that the roll will move against the pressure being provided in the direction of the material feed to accommodate the gauge of material within the working range set.

Abstract: A flexible printed circuit cabling system for a crash test dummy includes at least one centralized data-receiving unit. The flexible printed circuit cabling system also includes a plurality of sensors arranged remotely from the at least one centralized data receiving unit to generate electrical signals of data pertaining to a vehicular collision. The flexible printed circuit cabling system further includes a plurality of flexible printed circuit cables electrically interconnecting the sensors and the at least one centralized data receiving unit to transmit the electrical signals from the sensors to the at least one centralized data receiving unit.

Abstract: A chinrest pad system designed to hold a standard chinrest used with a string instrument that minimizes dampening of vibration and prevents damage caused by the metal components touching the edges of the instrument. The system includes pads located under the support surface of the chinrest member and on top of the lower lip plate used on the lower clamping member. The pads are specifically designed to partially engage the instrument's upper and lower edges and match the curvature of instrument surface immediately adjacent to the edge. Each pad also includes a rear extending lip that bends slightly around the upper or lower edge and extends rearward to prevent the metal rods used with the turnbuckles from contacting the rear surface. During assembly, the pads are positioned over the upper and lower edges so that the compression forces exerted by the support surface and the lower lip plate are centrally located over the sidewall transverse axis, thereby minimizing dampening of vibration.

Abstract: The wet treatment liquid feed nozzle of the invention comprises an introducing path having an introducing port, a discharging path having a discharging port, a crossing section formed by causing the introducing path and the discharging path to cross at the other ends thereof, a nozzle assembly having an opening section opening to an object to be treated, provided at the crossing section, and pressure control means, for controlling the difference between the pressure of the wet treatment liquid in contact with the object to be treated and the atmospheric pressure provided at least on the discharging path side so that the wet treatment liquid having been in contact with the object to be treated via the opening section does not flow to outside the discharging path.

Abstract: A cup holder for a conventional beverage cup that has a generally inverted frusto-conical side wail and an upper access opening surrounded by a radially outwardly extending peripheral bead adapted to be connected to a disposable lid by a snap fit within a downwardly and radially outwardly depending peripheral skirt on the lid. The insulated cup holder includes a double walled insulating vessel including an inner liner and an outer liner spaced therefrom to define an insulating space and snugly receives a conventional cup so as to insulate the contents of the cup to assist in maintaining its temperature at a desired level.

Abstract: A light emitting diode having a transparent substrate and a method for manufacturing the same. The light emitting diode is formed by creating two semiconductor multilayers and bonding them. The first semiconductor multilayer is formed on a non-transparent substrate. The second semiconductor multilayer is created by forming an amorphous interface layer on a transparent substrate. The two semiconductor multilayers are bonded and the non-transparent substrate is removed, leaving a semiconductor multilayer with a transparent substrate.

Abstract: Provided is a process for forming a contact for a compound semiconductor device without electrically shorting the device. In one embodiment, a highly doped compound semiconductor material is electrically connected to a compound semiconductor material of the same conductivity type through an opening in a compound semiconductor material of the opposite conductivity type. Another embodiment discloses a transistor including multiple compound semiconductor layers where a highly doped compound semiconductor material is electrically connected to a compound semiconductor layer of the same conductivity type through an opening in a compound semiconductor layer of the opposite conductivity type. Embodiments further include metal contacts electrically connected to the highly doped compound semiconductor material. A substantially planar semiconductor device is disclosed. In embodiments, the compound semiconductor material may be silicon carbide.

Abstract: In the extrusion of feed-stuff pellets and relevant consumer products, the extruded products are subject to expansion as a result of the boiling of their water content when the products, after being exposed to high extrusion pressure and a correspondingly high temperature, are discharged to the atmosphere through the extrusion nozzles. Such an expansion is directly aimed at, but it is desirable to be able to control it, which is difficult by adjustment of the ordinary process parameters. With the invention it has been found that the expansion which arises can be controlled in a highly constant manner, i.e. by carrying out the extrusion into a closed chamber in which an over-pressure of a few bar is established in relation to the atmospheric pressure, and which can be regulated. The extrusion products can be continuously discharged from this chamber, or they can be discharged intermittently in portions.

Abstract: A two-wire dimmer for control of a lighting load from an alternating-current (AC) power source includes a semiconductor switch, a power supply, and a control circuit. The power supply includes an energy storage input capacitor that is able to charge only when the semiconductor switch is non-conductive. The control circuit continuously monitors the voltage on the input capacitor and automatically decreases the maximum allowable conduction time of the semiconductor switch when the voltage falls to a level that will not guarantee proper operation of the power supply. The dimmer of the present invention is able to provide the maximum possible conduction time of the semiconductor switch at high end (i.e., maximum light intensity) while simultaneously ensuring sufficient charging time for proper operation of the power supply, and hence, the dimmer.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in drilling or producing from a well bore, the apparatus comprising a downhole member such as a drilling device or a production device which is capable of being attached to a tubular such as a drill string, production string or the like, means for rotating a tubular, control means for controlling the rotation of said tubular in order to transmit information along said tubular and means for monitoring the rotation of said tubular and for decoding said information transmitted along said tubular such that a magnitude of a parameter can be determined by the drilling member from the rotation or said tubular. The invention also relates to a method for communicating with a downhole tool using the apparatus.

Abstract: A coreless thermal transfer recording web roll 10 is formed by rolling a thermal transfer recording web 10a in a roll. An inner end part 11 of the thermal transfer recording web 10a of the thermal transfer recording web roll 10 has a tab 11a formed at a substantially middle of the inner end part 11, and sticking parts 11b formed on the opposite sides of the tab 11a, respectively. Pseudoadhesive double-coated tapes 14 are attached to the sticking parts 11b, respectively. The pseudoadhesive double-coated tapes become tack-free after the sticking parts 11b have been separated from the innermost layer of the thermal transfer recording web 10a of the thermal transfer recording web roll 10.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of generating an image having a desired brightness, which image is generated by means of a device provided with at least one light source, at least one electro-optical light modulation panel and at least one light-control device. The light from the light source is converted into an image having a desired brightness via at least the electro-optical light modulation panel and the light-control device. The image to be projected is analyzed in a regulator, whereafter the electro-optical light modulation panel and the light-control device are driven, while a too bright image is generated by means of the electro-optical light modulation panel, which image is converted by means of the light-control device into an image having a desired brightness and a desired contrast.

Abstract: A semiconductor module is provided which includes a beat heat spreader, at least two semiconductors thermally coupled to the heat spreader, and a plurality of electrically conductive leads electrically connected to the semiconductors. At least one of the electrically conductive leads is common to both of the semiconductors. The semiconductor module also includes a termination resistor electrically coupled to at least one of the semiconductors. A method of making a semiconductor module is also taught, whereby a plurality of electrically conductive leads are provided. At least two semiconductors are electrically coupled to the plurality of electrically conductive leads, where at least one of the electrically conductive leads is common to both of the semiconductors. The semiconductors are then thermally coupled to a heat spreader. Subsequently, a termination resistor is electrically coupled to at least one of the semiconductors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dimensioning and, optionally, weighing a cuboidal object. Four distance sensors are employed, one downwardly facing the top of the object, one facing one side thereof and two respectively facing mutually parallel sides of the object perpendicular to the one side. Distances are measured between the sensors and the top and sides of the object and subtracted from known distances to determine the length, width, height and spatial volume of the object. The object may be weighed as it is being dimensioned. Spatial volume and a “dim weight” for the object may be calculated.

Abstract: An optical disc is manufactured under a uniform condition by forming grooves and lands on the entire surface of the disc. The optical disc is configured to obtain a reliable reproduction signal, and the grooves and lands are formed on a lead-in area, a user data area and a lead-out area of the optical disc. Since the same manufacturing condition can be adopted in mastering discs, the yield can be enhanced and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

Abstract: A pressure exchanger for the transfer of pressure energy from a high pressure fluid stream to a lower pressure fluid stream wherein a generally cylindrical housing contains a rotor having a plurality of channels extending axially therethrough and a pair of end covers which slidingly and sealingly interface with respective end faces of the rotor. The end covers are supported against deformation by high pressure upon the end covers in an inward direction, as by exerting a balancing comparable outward axial force upon inward surfaces of the end covers through the employment of pressure-balancing chambers that are in communication with a high pressure fluid region at one end cover.

Abstract: A positive active material for a rechargeable lithium battery is provided. The positive active material includes at least one compound selected from the group consisting of lithiated compounds, a metal oxide layer formed on a surface of the compound and metal oxide masses adhered on the metal oxide layer. The positive active material is produced by coating a compound with a metal alkoxide solution, an organic solution of a metal salt or an aqueous solution of a metal salt and heat-treating the coated compound. The compound is selected from the group consisting of lithiated compounds. Thereafter, the heat-treated compound is slow-cooled to 100 to 500° C. and the cooled compound is quenched to room temperature.

Abstract: A PEM fuel cell having electrical contact elements comprising a corrosion-susceptible substrate metal coated with an electrically conductive, corrosion-resistant polymer containing a plurality of electrically conductive, corrosion-resistant filler particles. The substrate may have an oxidizable metal first layer (e.g., stainless steel) underlying the polymer coating.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and a method to locate moving objects, such as people, pets and vehicles, over a wide area, by attaching small wireless devices, such as Bluetooth transceivers, to said objects and determining the location of said devices. The location of said wireless devices is determined by achieving ad-hoc short range wireless connectivity between said devices and communication devices such as Bluetooth enabled mobile phones that pass by, where said latter communication devices can be located by other means, such as GPS or network-based techniques.

Abstract: A chain ring protector having a substantially planar mounting bracket operably secured to the bottom bracket sleeve of a vehicle with a durable semi-circumferential guard extending therefrom is disclosed. The durable guard has a substantially arcuate outer edge sized to approximate the outer diameter of a chain ring, and it is operably secured to the planar mounting bracket such that the outer edge extends slightly beyond the outer diameter of the portion of the chain ring extending below the bottom bracket sleeve.

Abstract: A hair transplantation method and apparatus utilizes a robot, which includes a robotic arm, having a hair follicle effector associated with the robotic arm.

Abstract: A hair transplantation method and apparatus utilizes a robot, which includes a robotic arm, having a hair follicle effector associated with the robotic arm.

Abstract: A method and system for determining canopy coverage to a golf green to assist in increasing sunlight exposure of the green. The system allows users to enter data regarding the golf green, surrounding foliage, and other topographical and man-made features surrounding the green. The system can then plot the sun's path for a specific date and simulate shadows cast on the green by the surrounding foliage and features. Furthermore, the system allows the user to generate what-if data, allowing projected effects on canopy coverage to be viewed before any modifications to the canopy are carried out.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for generating a robust model of a system that selects a modeling function. The modeling function has a set of weights and the modeling function has a complexity that is determined by a complexity parameter. For each of a plurality of values of the complexity parameter an associated set of weights of the modeling function is determined such that a training error is minimized for a training data set. An error for a cross validation data set is determined for each set of weights associated with one of the plurality of values of the complexity parameter and the set of weights associated with the value of the complexity parameter is selected that best satisfies a cross validation criteria. Thus, the selected set of weights used with the modeling function provides the robust model.

Abstract: This invention relates to a character display apparatus and method for a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) player. According to the present invention, it is provided that font data of at least some of multi-languages to be used in multilingual subtitle processing are recorded on certain area(s) of a DVD, the recorded font data are stored in a font memory at initial stage of playback, the stored font data corresponding to a language selected by selection input of a user are then read, characters for subtitle processing of the selected language are displayed. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of DVD players can be reduced due to the reduction of memory capacity requied and DVDs can be maximum efficiently utilized.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optimizing transmission of data to a plurality of second endpoints in a system wherein a first endpoint is providing data to the plurality of second endpoints each connected by a point-to-point communication channels. This may be useful in teleconferencing applications with a plurality of participants (endpoints) or broadcast server applications. The first endpoint activates a multicast communication channel having a first multicast address and commences broadcast of the data over the multicast communication channel. The first endpoint transmits a request message to each of the plurality of second endpoints in order to query each of the second endpoints whether they can receive transmissions broadcast to the first multicast address. Certain of the plurality of second endpoints transmit an acknowledgment message if they can receive transmissions broadcast to the first multicast address, and the first endpoint receives the acknowledgment message.